ourhood, for the day. The children have gone with
him, and Graeme and I are going to have a nice quiet day," said Marian.

"_You_ are going with me," said the doctor.

"With you!"

"Yes. Have you any objections?"

"No. Only I don't care to ride just for the sake of riding, without
having anywhere to go."

"But, I am going to take you somewhere. I came for that purpose. Mrs
Greenleaf sent me. She wants you to-day."

"But, I can go there any time. I was there, not long ago; I would
rather stay at home to-day with Graeme, thank you."

"And what am I to say to Mrs Greenleaf? No, I'm not going without you.
So, get ready and come with me."

Menie pouted. "And Graeme had just consented to my staying at home
quietly for the day."

"Which does not prove Miss Graeme's wisdom," said the doctor. "Why,
child, how many April days do you think we are going to have in January?
Be thankful for the chance to go out; for, if I am not much mistaken,
we are to have a storm that will keep us all at home. Miss Graeme, get
your sister's things. It is health for her to be out in such a day."

Graeme went without a word, and when she came back the doctor said,--

"There is no haste. I am going farther, and will call as I come back.
Lie down, dear child, and rest just now."

Graeme left the room, and as the doctor turned to go out, she beckoned
him into the study.

"You don't mean to tell me that Menie is in danger?" said she, with a
gasp.

"I am by no means sure what I shall say to you. It will depend on how
you are likely to listen," said the doctor, gravely.

Graeme strove to command herself and speak calmly.

"Anything is better than suspense." Then, laying her hand on his arm,
she added, "She is not worse! Surely you would have told us!--"

"My dear young lady, calm yourself. She is not worse than she has been.
The chances of recovery are altogether in her favour. The indications
of disease are comparatively slight--that is, she has youth on her side,
and a good constitution. If the month of March were over, we would have
little to fear with another summer before us. Your mother did not die
of consumption?"

"No, but--" The remembrance of what Janet had told her about their
"bonny Aunt Marian" took away Graeme's power to speak.

"Well, we have everything to hope if we can see her safely through the
spring without taking cold, and you must keep her cheerful."

"She is always cheerful."

"Well--th